95 corolla, 260K trouble free miles.
Lately when the car is just “rolling” low speed about 5 mph, occasionally when I give it gas it kind of “slips”…the engine revs a bit but the car doesn’t accelerate right away. It’s like it’s caught between 1st and 2nd. (It’s an automatic).
Is this a sign the transmission is slipping? I do go up a very steep hill every day (my driveway) and I shift it into L to do that…I go up at about 3-4 mph or so for 40 yards or so. Maybe this is wearing it out?
You’ve got 260,000 trouble free miles out of a 95 Corolla transmission? Congratulations!
You should consult a good independent transmission mechanic; he will quickly give you an accurate diagnosis. Don’t be surprised if you need a rebuilt transmission.
Good luck!
" I shift it into L to do that…I go up at about 3-4 mph or so for 40 yards or so. Maybe this is wearing it out? "
No, doing that is not “wearing out” the transmission.
What has probably done the transmission in is simply its age and the number of miles that it has gone.
As Docnick said, take the car to an independent trans shop for an evaluation, and don’t be too surprised if he tells you that you need an overhaul. Do NOT go to a chain-run operation like AAMCO, Lee Myles, Cottman, Mr. Transmission, or the like, as they will tell you that you need a rebuild–even if you don’t.
Even a supposedly reputable indy shop can tell you that your tranny needs an overhaul when it doesn’t. It happened to me. The issue, determined by an obviously more reputable shop, turned out to be a simple wiring issue. I spent $75 instead of $1700.
That said, with 260K miles, it may well need to be overhauled.
I’m unsure about a Corolla trans, but there may be bands that can be adjusted.
The problem could also be a sensor, that tells the trans when to shift.
I had a client that brought her car to me for the same issue. I referred her to an independent trans shop and it turned out to be a sensor.
A fluid & filter change and and sensor and she was bacxk on the road for around $250.
Yosemite
My brother had shifting issues with a Toyota and it turned out to be the transmission solenoids.